No. 3 ranked golfer and Masters champion Jon Rahm admitted that his move from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf came as a result of the Saudi-funded tour’s ‘enticing offers’.
On Thursday, Rahm appeared on Fox News, wearing a LIV jacket, to confirm his move after LIV posted a crossword puzzle to hint his signing. However, Rahm did not openly say how much he is being paid to switch tours.
‘It’s not an easy decision,’ Rahm said. ‘There were a lot of things LIV had to offer that was really enticing.’
The Spaniard’s persuading deal to head to LIV is believed to earn him round $570million, making him the highest-paid golfer on LIV’s roster.
‘I can’t comment on any of that, nor do I want to,’ Rahm said about his deal. ‘It is private and it is going to stay private. Listen, it was a great offer. The money is great, it is wonderful.
Spaniard Jon Rahm’s big-money LIV move was finally confirmed on Thursday evening
Rahm’s deal is over twice as much as LIV’s second biggest contract belonging to Phil Mickelson, who reportedly signed for $200m.
LIV reportedly gave Dustin Johnson $150m to jump ship while paying Bryson Dechambeu and Brooks Koepka each $100m.
Rahm insisted the motive behind the move was to grow the game, adding: ‘I’m an ambitious person, not a greedy one.’
Rahm also expressed his interest in playing team golf which is emphasized in LIV’s format. Rahm recalled to his time playing for the Spanish national team and Arizona State during his collegiate years.
‘Being part of a team has been something that’s really big for me throughout my career,’ Rahm said. ‘As a pro, you don’t have that chance very often. It is something that is very very fun to play, for something that is more than just yourself.’
However, Rahm was not always a fan of the format. In a previous interview, Rahm admitted to laughing at speculations of him leaving the PGA Tour for LIV.
Rahm met with LIV CEO Greg Norman (R) after the Masters champion agreed to switch tours
Rahm won 11 PGA events over his eight-year professional career, including the 2021 US Open
‘I laugh when people rumor me with LIV Golf,’ Rahm said via Handicap 54, translated from Spanish. ‘I’ve never liked the format. And I always have a good time with Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia in the practice rounds of majors.’
Other than being the reigning Masters champion, Rahm has won 11 PGA events as a pro, including the 2021 US Open.
Rahm also teamed up with Rory McIlroy to help Team Europe beat the United States in the 2023 Ryder Cup in October.
When asked about the PGA Tour, Rahm said: ‘This wasn’t anything personal for them, it was for my family. I hope the friends that I made stay my friends.’
LIV announced 12 of 14 tournaments for their second season, starting on February 2-4 at Mayakoba on the Gulf Coast of Mexico.
LIV’s 2024 schedule does not only mirror the PGA Tour’s events, they also look to compete with the Super Bowl for an audience. LIV will host their first event in Las Vegas from February 8-10, wrapping up the day before Super Bowl Sunday at Allegiant Stadium.
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